Canberra Information
Canberra was established in 1911 to create a capital for the newly federated country of Australia. Learn more about the city, its location and surrounding regions and see yourself in Canberra, Australia's capital region.

Canberra Attractions

Anzac Parade and Memorials of Anzac Parade

It is the Canberra's major ceremonial avenue and is set along the magnificent Land Axis which forms a key feature of the original 1912 plan for Canberra by Walter Burley Griffin.The parade is easily distinguishable, especially when viewed from Mt Ainslie. The red gravel and the mixed plantings of Australian blue gums and New Zealand Hebe species is the element which links the Parliamentary Zone to the northern lake shore.Spanning the length of the parade are 11 Memorial sites dedicated to the many Australian New Zealand and soldiers that have lost their lives in war.

Australian Institute of Sport

You can see the champion of Australia. Australia has always been a sporting nation and, these days, many of our elite sports people use the facilities of the Australian Institute of Sport.You can see the world of the champion athlete from the inside as you tour the complex and the world class sports facilities of the AIS, perhaps catching a glimpse of athletes in training, with an athlete as your guide.

Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of Australian men and women who have served in war. Its exhibitions present stories of Australians at war, in armed conflict and during peacekeeping activities.With its ceremonial areas, extensive exhibitions and research facilities, the Memorial has, since the present facility was opened in 1941, become a significant and important part of the national capital.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are situated at the foot of Black Mountain and devoted entirely to plants native to Australia. In fact, the Gardens have the finest collection of Australian flora in the world. You can see the plants of the rainforest, the desert, the mountains and more, in specially created"climatic zones."Explore the Rainforest Gully, the Rock Garden, the Eucalypt Lawn and the Mallee Shrublands on marked trails. Botanic Gardens offer a relaxing way to end the day during summer season. The Botanic Gardens extends its opening hours to 8pm to allow people to enjoy the shade and ambient atmosphere of the Gardens.

Blundells'Cottage

It is a significant character in ‘The Story of Canberra' and a hands-on piece of heritage from a time before the National Capital was conceived. For the National Capital Authority the Cottage is an interpretive tool, providing a connection for visitors reflecting the present and the past. It is an integral part of the story we tell our visitors and school children, and complements our suite of facilities. It provides a ‘real' connection between the old and the new.Visitors to the Cottage can listen to the story of the Cottage from the tour guides, read about each of the rooms of the cottage and the people that lived in them and explore the hands-on museum and its artifacts of the past.

High Court of Australia

The High Court of Australia building, the result of a national architectural competition, was opened in 1980 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.There are three courtrooms and an impressive public hall adorned by murals depicting the development of the Australian nation and its Constitution.

Cockington Green Gardens

Since 1979 everyone at Cockington Green Gardens has been working extra hard to create somewhere magical just for you to visit. From tiny townsfolk going about their daily business, to cottages, animals and vehicles, everything has been lovingly recreated for you, capturing the true feel of life in a British village. The new international and Australian section contains miniature buildings representing Australia, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Hungary, Indonesia, Lithuania, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Slovenia, Slovakia, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and Venezuela.

International Flag Display

The International Flag Display in Canberra's Parliamentary Zone colourfully acknowledges the international presence in the National Capital. There are 80 flags are dedicated to the United Nations and those nations that maintain a diplomatic presence in the National Capital.

National Archives of Australia

It looks after Australia's valuable Commonwealth records dating back to Federation. The main draw card is Australia's'birthcertificate'- The Constitution and Royal Commission of Assent - along with exhibitions and displays.The records in our collection trace the events and decisions that shaped the nation.

National Capital Exhibition

It is the perfect spot to commence your visit to the Australia's Capital city Canberra. Exhibition tells about the powerful story of the making of the National Capital, from the aboriginal occupation to the arrival of European settlers. It takes the visitor through the controversial selection of the Limestone Plains site nearly 100 years ago. Walter Burley Griffin's unique design and traces Canberra's rapid growth into one of the worlds truly great landscaped cities.

Source: Canberra Tourism Information